Farmers ‘hit financially’ with appeal for support

Farmers ‘hit financially’ with appeal for support

5 February 2020

FARMERS from across the district who attended a meeting in Ballynahinch last week were told that the Northern Ireland agriculture industry has taken a “significant financial hit in the past year”.

Addressing over 250 members at the Millbrook Lodge Hotel, Ulster Farmers’ Union president Ivor Ferguson said virtually all farm commodities are seeing a decrease on average income.

Mr Ferguson — who was joined by his deputy presidents and the UFU’s chief executive —  covered a range of topics.

The publication of the first provisional estimate for farm incomes in 2019 by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs reveal that the Total Income from Farming Northern Ireland fell from £386m in 2018 to £290million last year.

Mr Ferguson said the figures stress the “unsustainable financial situation” that farm families across Northern Ireland endured last year as income across virtually all commodities experienced a substantial .

“It is a clear indicator that the uncertainty farmers have been dealing with combined with increasing machinery, feed and fertiliser prices over the last few years is beginning to seriously impact their farming businesses,” he continued.

“Lowland and less favoured area (LFA) livestock are in real trouble. The LFA cattle and sheep farm business income for 2018/2019 has decreased by £3,357 when compared to 2017/2018 and lowland cattle and sheep farm business income dropped by £4,363.”

Mr Ferguson said farm business income for cattle and Sheep (LFA and lowland), cereals, dairy and mixed farm types is expected to fall by varying amounts between 2018/2019 and 2019/2020.

“The downturn is mainly attributed to lower output prices in the 2019/20 accounting year however, pig farms are expected to show an increase in incomes due to higher pig meat prices in 2019/20,” the farmers’ chief continued.

“The drop in farm income means our farmers now have a greater dependence on agricultural support. These figures illustrate the importance of support payments in sustaining the industry and underpinning its competitive trading position.”

Mr Ferguson said the UFU firmly believes that a profitable agriculture industry is key to providing a healthy economy, generational renewal and a better environment. 

He added: “As we look to the future, this is a once in a generation chance for the local government to develop a Northern Ireland specific agricultural policy.

“One that drives integration of profitable food production maintaining our world leading environment and welfare standards, and assuring farmers receive a sustainable farm income for the work they do.”

Saintfield farmer, Robert Burgess, who is vice-chairman of the UFU’s Co Down Committee, said he was pleased to see so many local farmers at last week’s meeting.

“There is little doubt that the farming industry is faced with a series of tough challenges, as the latest figures released by the Department of Agriculture clearly illustrate,” he said.

“There will no doubt be more challenges and it was heartening to see a number of young farmers at last week’s meeting as they represent the industry’s future.”

Mr Burgess, who is also a Rowallane councillor, said one of the key issues raises with him is problems surrounding planning permission form a range of agricultural buildings.

He added: “There appears to be a particular problem with those involved in the pig industry and it is an issue which needs to be addressed.”